Built on Truth

Brett Wheeless
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The Christian Fitness Podcast In a world drowning in compromise, Built on Truth stands for something greater. A return to unwavering principles, real strength, and a life built on the solid foundation of truth of the Bible. This is not just another self-improvement podcast. It’s a deep dive into the core of what it means to be a man of faith, to pursue physical and mental resilience, and to build your life with wisdom and conviction. You’ll hear thought-provoking stories on strength and faith that shapes character, training, and manhood that leads with purpose The truth demands courage.

  1. May 12

    Olympic Gold & the Simplicity of the Gospel | Peter Andrew, Olympic Coach & Special Forces Diver

    00:00 Cold open — Welcome to Built on Truth, introducing Peter Andrew01:05 Rock spider / Afrikaans wife — meeting Tina01:32 Why Peter wanted to be Special Forces — surfing & watching divers as a boy02:45 Blue Navy vs. Brown Navy — getting into the SA Navy03:25 What a SA Navy Diver actually did — rescue, salvage, small units04:37 The selection pipeline — 8-man teams, attrition, barnacles, no skin on hands07:23 Jock van Rensburg — the Christian friend who couldn’t swim08:02 “We can’t take you on course because you’re a Christian” — the psych eval09:00 Falling away from his faith on team — why equal yoking matters12:09 Special Forces operators & meshing with the team12:33 Conscription life — diamond mining, eyes as a secondary sense13:48 Meeting Tina, marriage, pest control, the pregnancy scare that turned into 8 years oftravel16:30 Having Markus (Michael) in the US — citizenship by birth16:48 Going home to take over the family farm in South Africa19:35 Farm life under siege — electric fences, German shepherds, Envirowatch23:00 Gil Bank, the French Foreign Legion neighbor with guns buried everywhere24:10 Leaving for the U.S. — land of milk and honey25:15 South Dakota — homestead America, soil sampling, pheasant season27:00 Tina’s immigration business is born27:55 Michael at 7 — “drop what you’re doing, come watch this kid”32:50 Locked out of the YMCA — building their own pool inside an old nightclub35:30 The Aberdeen Aquatics team takes off36:35 Setting out to actually learn how to coach — looking at the Russians, the science37:20 ASCA 2009 — Dr. Brent Rushall changes everything38:30 USRPT explained — Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training41:50 Why specificity is everything for elite athletes44:00 Pushback from USA Swimming — and the buried Indiana University study46:45 Tokyo 2020 (raced 2021) — gold, world record, fourth-place finishes48:10 Moving the family to Encinitas, California50:30 Father / coach / breadwinner dynamics — what Peter would do differently54:45 The hard truth of legalism vs. living biblically55:30 Post-Tokyo: Peter loses his way, over-coaches Michael’s stroke57:50 2024 trials — Michael misses the team and moves on58:55 “I wanted to go farm cows” — Peter’s detour59:30 The new vision: a pro team, USRPT 2.0 book, global mission1:03:40 Calvinism, the simplicity of the Gospel, and the takeaway1:06:00 Michael may finish his career with his dad after all1:08:30 Coaching as a mission field — sleep, family, heart-rate data, formation1:11:40 The COVID Olympics, the “Mako Andrew rule,” and what the press did1:13:50 The night before the medley relay — turning over tables1:17:30 Fear of the Lord and freedom from the fear of man1:19:00 Christian men: warriors, not wimps1:21:20 Worshiping vs. being worshiped1:23:00 Daily Bible reading — MacArthur Bible through the year1:23:50 Closing — and gratitudePeter Andrew — Olympic swim coach, former South African Special Forces Navy Diver, farmer, andinventor of the Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training (USRPT) method — joins Brett to share the long arc of hislife: war, faith, family, the rise of his son Michael Andrew to world-record swimmer, the heartbreak ofseparation, and the surprising mercy of God that brought him to a wider mission. A conversation abouthardship, community, and how the simplicity of the Gospel mirrors the simplicity of doing one thingwell.

    1h 24m

  2. Apr 20

    Jeremy Handysides | What Surfing Teaches About Fear, Discipline, and Faith

    00:00 – Intro: Why you should listen (surfing, coaching, faith)00:55 – Who is Jeremy Handysides? (father, coach, teacher, Christian)02:15 – Moving to San Diego & discovering surfing05:00 – Obsession with surfing & self-teaching08:30 – The psychology of big waves & fear11:00 – Near-death surfing story (17 years old) 🔥16:30 – Getting humbled by the ocean (ego check)18:45 – Understanding limits & risk in surfing21:00 – Coaching vs competing: knowing your lane23:00 – Advice for beginner surfers (lessons, etiquette, spots)26:00 – Coaching elite surfers: what actually matters29:30 – What separates top-level athletes32:00 – Contest strategy: how to actually win heats35:00 – Faith background & growing up Adventist39:00 – Getting saved at 19 (turning point) 🔥44:30 – Life before Christ: rebellion, emptiness, depression48:00 – Searching for truth in other religions51:00 – Why the Bible changed everything54:00 – What is the Gospel? (clear explanation) 🔥59:00 – Grace vs works (core difference)1:02:00 – Living as a Christian man day-to-day1:06:00 – Reading the Bible, discipline, and leadership1:10:00 – Spiritual warfare & staying grounded1:14:00 – Coaching vs teaching special education1:18:00 – The power of mentorship & serving others1:22:00 – Teaching breakthrough story (learning to read)1:26:00 – Humility in coaching & adapting your approach1:30:00 – Final advice: live for God’s gloryJeremy Handysides thought he might die in the ocean at 17. That moment—and everything that followed—forced him to confront fear, ego, and ultimately, truth. In this episode, Jeremy shares: A near-death surfing experienceCoaching elite athletesHis journey to faith in ChristWhat it means to live as a Christian manThis is a conversation about purpose, humility, and building your life on something that actually lasts.

    51 min

  3. Mar 23

    From Atheist to Surgeon: The Moment That Changed Everything | Dr. Alex Kim

    00:00 – Meet Dr. Alex Kim02:00 – From Atheist to Faith08:00 – Tribalism & Identity18:00 – Rock Bottom Moment24:00 – The Turning Point30:00 – Purpose & Excellence45:00 – Beverly Hills Surgery Story58:00 – Heart Transplant (Powerful)1:04:00 – True Transformation What happens when a high-achieving surgeon realizes success isn’t enough? In this episode of Built on Truth, I sit down with Dr. Alex Kim — trauma surgeon, reconstructive specialist, and former atheist — to unpack the moment that completely changed the trajectory of his life. We dive into: His transformation from a Christian-hating atheist to a man of faithThe reality of life, death, and purpose inside trauma surgeryWhy success, money, and achievement fall shortThe danger of mediocrity in modern ChristianityWhat it actually means to live with convictionThis is a raw, unfiltered conversation about truth, identity, and what really matters. If you’re a man trying to build strength — physically, mentally, and spiritually — this one will hit.

    1h 50m

  4. Mar 9

    Why Your Kids Need Hard Things | Sean Storck

    In this episode of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett sits down with entrepreneur and financial advisor Sean Storck to talk about faith, discipline, family, and the pursuit of truth. Sean shares his story growing up between the Mojave Desert and Illinois, discovering faith at a young age, and how a chance encounter at a Bible study led to meeting the woman who would become his wife. From dancing ballet obsessively in his early twenties to building a financial firm with dozens of employees, Sean’s journey is a story of commitment, sacrifice, and learning to pursue what actually matters. The conversation dives deep into: • Why truth matters more than comfort• What marriage really requires• Raising resilient kids in a privileged world• The role of suffering and discipline in building character• Faith and entrepreneurship• Why fitness became central to Sean’s family culture Sean also shares how he and his wife intentionally raised their kids through hard experiences like backpacking, hunting, and strength training to build grit and perseverance. This episode is about living intentionally, building strong families, and pursuing truth in every area of life.

    1h 4m

  5. Feb 4

    PART 2 Navy SEAL David Parker: Courage, Conviction, and the Cost of Truth

    Courage isn’t charging into gunfire.It’s being willing to lose everything for what’s right. In the season 2 finale of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless continues his conversation with retired Navy SEAL David Parker, diving deep into courage, leadership failure, betrayal, conviction, war, faith, and the cost of standing alone. David shares: What real courage looks like under fire Why men fear confronting leadership more than death The psychological cost of betrayal by your own people How conviction is forged through sacrifice Why purpose must be greater than fear How suffering without meaning destroys men This episode isn’t comfortable.It’s honest. Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, masculinity, leadership, and living with conviction in a world that punishes it. Subscribe for weekly conversations that sharpen men instead of numbing them. 00:00 – Courage vs Fear04:30 – Being Shot At vs Facing Leadership08:40 – Leadership Failure in Combat13:30 – The Cost of Speaking Up18:50 – Betrayal from Your Own Team24:00 – Conviction vs Reputation30:10 – Why Men Stay Silent36:30 – Faith, Suffering, and Meaning44:00 – Why Purpose Must Be Greater Than Fear YOUTUBE CHAPTERS (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)

    1h 7m

  6. Jan 1

    Navy SEAL David Parker | Why God, Not Success, Gives Men Purpose (Part 1)

    Achievement doesn’t save men. In this episode of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless talks with a retired Navy SEAL about why success, status, and accomplishment so often leave men feeling hollow. This conversation covers: Why winning doesn’t satisfy The difference between empathy and accountability What BUD/S and combat really reveal about character Leadership, loneliness, and responsibility Why suffering needs purpose to mean anything If you’ve ever checked the boxes and still felt empty, this episode will hit home. Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, discipline, and living with conviction in a confused world.

    52 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Randy O'Connell: Finding God in the Wilderness

    In this episode, Brett sits down with one of the most interesting men he’s ever met — Randy O’Connell. Randy’s life is a tapestry of wild adventure, deep faith, and decades of outdoor leadership. From biking 135 miles through 117° heat in Death Valley, to summiting Mount Whitney, to climbing 20,000-foot peaks in Peru with nothing but a couple ice axes and a pack of pemican bars, Randy’s stories feel like they’re straight out of a novel. But behind the adventures is a man shaped by God’s grace. Randy shares openly about childhood epilepsy, youth-group moments that changed everything, and the privilege of leading countless young people into both the wilderness and a deeper understanding of Jesus. We talk climbing, parenting, calling, ministry, fear, hallucinating Texaco stations at altitude, and why the wilderness remains one of the clearest places Randy hears the voice of God. This conversation is funny, profound, humble, and packed with wisdom.

    25 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    Eric Carmody - From CrossFit Games to Christ

    In this episode, Brett sits down with Eric Carmody, a CrossFit Games athlete, husband, father, and Christian, to unpack his journey through elite sport, injury, faith, and transformation. Eric’s story takes us from football fields to CrossFit gyms across the globe, through devastating injury and unexpected detours, and ultimately to a new life built on truth in Christ. Key Topics & Highlights The Injury That Changed Everything Eric tore his rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) and ligament in a freak accident on the rings before the CrossFit Open. Surgery left him sidelined for 9+ months, forcing him to rethink identity, fitness, and recovery. CrossFit Journey Former defensive lineman at Jacksonville University → lost 80+ lbs through P90X and running → discovered CrossFit on a trip to Costa Rica. Progressed from early competitions to qualifying for the CrossFit Games (Asia Regional champ, Invictus athlete in San Diego). Reflections on CrossFit’s growth: from ESPN broadcasts to transforming mainstream gym culture (reviving barbell and free weight training). Life Abroad: Korea Years Moved to Seoul, South Korea to coach at Reebok CrossFit Sentinel during its explosive boom. Experienced rapid gym expansion, investor culture, and eventually the collapse of the franchise. Shares wild stories about expat life, drinking culture, and gym politics, including immigration challenges and shady business dealings. Competition & Training Insights Training twice a day, 5 days a week: “There’s no secret—just suffering consistently.” The truth about zone 2 training vs. hard intervals in elite CrossFit prep. Known for freak strength numbers, including a 255 lb strict press (well above most elite athletes). Faith Journey Came to San Diego in 2017, still not a believer. A relationship with a pastor led him into Scripture (Book of John). Conviction about lifestyle led to repentance and leaving sin behind. A pivotal sermon on the Prodigal Son & the 99/1 sheep in Luke broke through: realizing he was the “one” Jesus sought. Shares the cost of obedience, breaking off a relationship, and rebuilding life with God at the center. Legacy & Truth Eric’s story is about resilience through pain, the emptiness of chasing performance, and the greater calling found in faith. He emphasizes discipline, honesty, and perseverance as the foundation for both fitness and faith.

    58 min
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Christian Fitness Podcast In a world drowning in compromise, Built on Truth stands for something greater. A return to unwavering principles, real strength, and a life built on the solid foundation of truth of the Bible. This is not just another self-improvement podcast. It’s a deep dive into the core of what it means to be a man of faith, to pursue physical and mental resilience, and to build your life with wisdom and conviction. You’ll hear thought-provoking stories on strength and faith that shapes character, training, and manhood that leads with purpose The truth demands courage.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Wheeless
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brett Wheeless
  • Show Website
    Built on Truth

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